Tamra Helen Sheffman's Obituary
SHEFFMAN, TAMRA HELEN, 68, of Miami Beach, passed away May 2, 2017 after a valiant fight against cancer. Beloved wife, sister, daughter, friend and pilot, she has soared through the Earth’s clouds one final time. Tamra was endowed with a can-do spirit and believed there was no obstacle she couldn’t overcome. Over the years Tamra followed her father’s footsteps into the real estate business in Miami Beach, and served as president of the Miami Beach Board of Realtors.
Loving wife of Ron Mayer for 34 years, they met in 1978 while scuba diving. He considered her his “underwater treasure” and they shared their love for diving in many of the world’s oceans. In mid-life Tamra took up flying single-engine airplanes, and for almost 3 decades pursued this passion. She was a member and past president of the Gold Coast Chapter of the 99’s Women’s International Pilot Association. Tamra flew in 9 all-women’s air races promoting women flying interests and raising awareness of women’s health issues and education through her flying. Tamra chose to fly under the radar while showcasing other influential women through the Breaking the Glass Ceiling program at the Jewish Museum of Florida, which she co-chaired for 17 years. Her final obstacle was one she could not overcome. She faced her health obstacles with grace, cheerfulness and desire that inspired us all.
Tamra is survived by her devoted husband Ron Mayer, her mother Dorothy Sheffman, brother David (Marilyn) Sheffman, sister Susan (Ysrael) Pycher, nieces and nephew Sara Sheffman, Dana Pycher, Michael Pycher, Jillian Mayer and Marissa Mayer Smokler, brother-in-law Gary Mayer, and many other family members and supportive friends and colleagues. Her departure leaves a giant hole in our hearts. May she have blue skies and tailwinds.
The family suggests donations in memory of Tamra Sheffman to The Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU, www.jmof.fiu.edu/join-support/tributes; Greater Miami Jewish Federation, www.jewishmiami.org/gift; Temple Beth Sholom, www.tbsmb.org
Funeral service will be held Friday May 5 at 12 noon at Temple Beth Sholom, 4144 Chase Ave, Miami Beach. Arrangements by Blasberg-Rubin-Zilbert (305) 538-6371
What’s your fondest memory of Tamra?
What’s a lesson you learned from Tamra?
Share a story where Tamra's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Tamra you’ll never forget.
How did Tamra make you smile?
